College classes hit by strike to be re-held
Perth College UHI students will be able to reattend previously cancelled classes after strike action planned for this week was suspended.
Teaching staff who are members of the trade union EIS-FELA took part in the industrial action on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 13-14).
It was sparked by an ongoing argument regarding the use of tutor, assessor and instructor roles across the sector in Scotland.
The Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EISFELA) asserts that professionally qualified lecturers have specific pedagogical skills and perform a unique, professional role in further education.
The union complains that “college managements do not share that vision”.
EIS-FELA explained its national programme of strike action was because of an ongoing dispute over the replacement of lecturers with “poorer-paid, lower qualified staff ”.
The stay-away gesture led to cancellations - just after the resumption of classes at Perth College UHI after the Easter break.
Following an agreement struck weeks ago, the EIS agreed to suspend the planned EIS-FELA strike action in April to allow both sides to formally ratify the NJNC agreement through their own structures.
At that point EIS-FELA ratified the agreement, but Colleges Scotland was refusing to do likewise and it was decided to hold the action days that have taken palce since.
Perth College UHI had warned students there was a likelihood their Tuesday and Wednesday classes would not be happening.
However, following productive discussions between Colleges Scotland and EIS-FELA members on Friday, April 23, the strike action has been halted.
A spokesperson for Colleges Scotland said: “Following lengthy and productive discussions, good progress was made and a consensus position reached which both sides are taking to their respective memberships.
“As a result of the position reached, the strike action planned for Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28, 2021 has been suspended.
“The suspension is good news for students and staff.”